[h2][centre] [color=a2d39c]Romus Sisters . Mixed Locations, Pit Lane, Old Harbour City Hall[/color][/centre][/h2] [h3][centre] [color=a2d39c]Time zone end, 7.30 PM, City Hall, Olympus Heavy Industries Victory Gala[/color][/centre][/h3] [Centre][color=fdc68a][h3]For Ease. Venue description Highlighted Orange[/h3][/color][/Centre] Victoria watched as the black SUV's pulled up outside the pit lane and waiting, the engines idling alongside many other taxis, rented or personal drivers and relatives picking them up from the race. the 4 had been hired to ferry everyone about that weekend, the chaos of the mass transit, taxi fares surge pricing beyond a sane level and even then the waits being insane, it had been easier to hire for the weekend. Given the evening do and more, it had been unfair to ask Marinalia to drive so one would drive them two and from there apartment in old harbour, navigating the maze of soon to open but congested cut through routes and side streets. Heading back from the Pitlane and the events after the victory, people chatted, commiserated or celebrated depending on there teams success in there own eyes, the Nissan group where more subdued despite placing second and finishing dramatically close, the race seemed a win or die thing for them. When she had headed away during the flag events she drew a few glances but did not quite understand what was going on and the importance placed on thr flag. Back home things where extremely different and she had barely had time to get used to her new home. Her obvious English accent had drawn some notice among those nearby as she left but Victoria had long grown used to being a human curiosity of sorts. Marilania gave joel a quick peck on the cheek before heading off to join Maria, Victoria and others as they waited for there various rides to either the hotel or Old Harbour. Looking back on the view, she saw the Pitlane Party would be going on for quite a while. Looking back, she waved and shouted the short distence walking alway. [i][color=f6989d]Il see you at the Lorax table. I got to transform and find my glass shoes. have fun Boys! [/color][/i] Winding back was slow but steady as the 4X4 weaved its way expertly down the narrow streets, dodging the odd slightly drunk pedestrians and those who had forgotten the roads where opening up back to normal quickly now the race was over. Nodding as the driver drove past the Marina and pulled up outside there apartment, with a business like but freindly tone, he knew he was working a crappy shift but the pay was good and they had offered a nice bonus for working the weekend the driver planned to spend on a day out with the family later on. anyway, he preferred football. [i]Il be waiting Miss and Miss Romus, just let me know when your ready and il pull up by the door, cannot park for too long without getting a ticket. my numbers on the card. [/i] Handing over a card and opening the door, he waved them off after a polite response, they where some of the more pleasant people he had to drive for, and he knew that they would be little trouble. Marinalia grated slightly at being called Miss Romus, she always used Olympus but something maybe got messed up in translation. It was not the drivers fault, she just had always chosen to use Olympus despite being able to use both depending on her choice. Heading in, the last few hours caught up with Marlin, chucking her bag onto the love seat in corner and flopped onto the large double bed, it was not shock, that had already come and gone, it was more like just being tired and wanting to curl up and hibernate for a few weeks. Victoria came over, tea in one hand and balancing it carefully, it was more a excuse than anything to head in and so than a real comfort but it worked none the less. Worried for her sister and noting a long white and gold dress hanging off the bathroom door among a few small photos sat on the Dressing table, covered it bits of makeup and a the odd book. Marlin never was quite the tidiest. Sitting down slowly and leaving the tea on the bedside table, she nudged her shoulder gently. [i][color=6ecff6]Hey, i brought something to warm you up. Hey, you looked after me before. come on, Joels a good egg, he's a tad slow to pick up on things but he got a good yolk, and things will be safe as can be, hell, im the one who fucked up the one decent guy i met... [/color][/i] Victoria concerned hoped that referencing her won mistakes and trying to build on the positive would at least show good had come of today and Sol City, Joel did genuinely seem alright, once you drilled past a few miles of ego and asshole layers. Marinalia sighed and turned, Victoria was not going to let her get away with a half answer, they knew each other too well and despite the bad puns, her words did ring true. [i][color=f6989d]Thanks... Tea atleast is safe. Puns Vika... you spent too long with Maria today. I know... i know, i just want it all to blow over, go away. Joels, Joel... The man deserves his own definition... theres a decent guy under all that ego though. Ok, im coming. and i will contact that victim line. You gotta talk to Milo though if he messages back. No hiding. if i deal with my mess, you got yours sis. [/color][/i] Victoria agreed and hugged her sister, Running back to England was never going to be a option right now and Marlin needed someone, She needed proper help but someone at home was far better than her living alone right now. [i][color=6ecff6]Deal, i think we better get ready, We all know how long you can take..[/color][/i] [hr] A few hours later Marinalia spun in the full length mirror and felt scared but also confident, Make up could hide alot of things but not her eyes, and no sunglasses this time. The long white and gold dress fitted snugly and cut rather daringly with a backless design though hiding her scars and split on the side. it looked amazing but it might take a alittle for her to get back into the swing of things again. Gold heals and accessories all from the same designer, sitting down to check her hair and make up for the last time, the Vanity mirror had a small magnification that helped even though she had 20/20, some things always would be challenging. Grabbing her phone from the charger and a spare battery, her keys and a few other bits off the vanity, she turned with one last glance to the mirror, everything looked perfect, bar the storm rumbling on underneath. Not bothering with a coat, she had none for the dress and they had a car, it was indoors. [i][color=f6989d]Coming Vika, just like one more minute... gotta check my bag...[/color][/i] Heading out she saw Victoria waiting in a pale pinkish dress, the white would of belnded in so well with her it would be hard to tell which one ended and the other began, slightly more conservative but elegant design none the less. even with her ever present walking stick she looked the part, a very low heal as her balance was sometimes a little shaky and not needing any help falling over she still could enjoy the evening and have a laugh. The bar was free and the well was deep. [i][color=6ecff6]Wow... Certainly gonna be a show stopper tonight. Old Joel won,t know what hit him! [/color][/i] Laughing and calling down to the driver who swung round and stopped by the door, a passer by complementing them on the ride down the elevator, on the way to the Mercades event, it seemed everyone had somewhere to be to tonight. Climbing in with a little help Victoria watched as Old Harbour flashed by and soon they plunged into the city propper, the traffic was not quite as bad as post race but still it was running slow, even by Sols snail like standards. [hr] Meeting up with Maria, Milo and Marla on route the two 4x4 pushed through the city and made there winding, crawling way through the city. Behind the blacked out glass watching people interact was intresting when they thought they where aline, couples, freinds, tense moments in between and families and freinds heading on nights out and celebrating just being together. Honking the horn and jumping ad the driver was almost cut off by a taxi driver trying to swap lanes without indicating outside a fancy Asian restaurant, the pair of trucks waited a second before resuming there crawl through to city hall. Pulling up through a side gate and bypassing the main drive and car parking up front that was rapidly filling and much remaining reserved for guests or city services they headed out into the cool evening. [color=fdc68a][b]Inside the city hall had been decorated extensively and widely with large banners in white, each one with a logo of OHI and a hastily drawn "Sol City, Nicolsi, P1". Below the banners was a smaller bit raised stage, multiple lighting systems hanging above and a number of tables round a central dance floor each one a cog, the gear centres tables and chairs making the teeth linking from above into a system of gears and cogs representing their industrial nature. Several posters with both the race car, Joel and a a hastily printed version of him racing down the last straight US flag flying from the window. Little details in red, white, and blue for the colours of both nations made up much of the scheme, with bright contrasting designs, flags of both nations up deferring to local custom to put US flag slightly higher but with abit of national pride they had edged there's below but closer than some would as a matter of honour. Round the sides numerous little bars and buffets where set up and spread about, they had broken it up abit to make it easier and give people more space than one main bar and buffer. Drinks themes and jokes like the Mars Margarita, Aires Absolute and various other themes drinks on offer at half a dozen smaller and more private bars. Up stairs a few off side snug rooms and areas to escape the busy party had been set up. When they walked in, the hall was already busy with staff making there final preparations and preparing large platters of Prosecco and non alcoholoc sparkling versions. Seeing the rest all gathered in similar finery, fitted gowns and tailored suits, each one taking a nod to one of the Greek gods in a pun on the Olympus name. A group of servers dressed as 300 Spartans Abs and 6 packs included milled about with dark suited security, a little treat by Marla for the ladies attending that evening.[/b] [/color] With final preparations ready, tables laid and champagne popped, it was time to begin. Pulling Marilania aside a second Maxamillion gave Maria a nod and took her to the corner as she sipped a glass of champagne, before lowering his tone, and noticing her hidden turmoil. [i][color=fff79a]one second Maria, Marla, I already know the scedule. Now we can talk, i can't imagine what today been like but I you need anything, just call, we may have to go home soon, but we'll hop right back if you need support. And... Well I planned this before everything, for a while.. I do believe she would have wanted you to have this, we can keep it safe at home, like we always did. I know you travel alot and baggage etc, if you want. [/color][/i] Pulling out a small case with a glittering gold and pales blue gemstoned necklace matching her ring in colour, a cold ice blue colour set on a shorter chain of gold tightly woven links. Marinalia looked slightly shocked at the jewals, she had seen them before but never ever considered she might be wearing them. Leaning her head to make it easier with the fiddly double clasps, it glittered higher on her neck, a line of gold and pale blue sparking gems. Help, support, it was words, but they where meant and alot more welcoming that some psyco babble gpbbleygook telling she was in whatever shock. [i][color=f6989d]Rough, but i keep my mind busy, i don't think on it.. Vika, well she making me contact some victim support. That means more than anything, so so much... Wow... thats not... Im scared to lose it! its priceless to you, it was, well Marinalias... yes, id rather it be safe back home. [/color][/i] Spinning slightly, seeing the glittering jewals in reflective surface, Hugging Maxamillion, he normaly was not one for it, but could not refuse his granddaughters gesture. at least it was one thing not tainted by Bob or the three evil stooges. [hr] Gathering round there table close to the stage, making one last toast before the night began and there private gathering in the vast hall would become very public, Champagne was already open on the table and the night was poised to begin properly. With a clocking of glass, and one last photo. [b][i]To a goodnight, family and fun![/i][/b] With a nod from Marla, the tall security guard keeping a eye on things and radioed over to open the doors to the few early guests, a pair of the Spartans at the door handing out Proseco and virgin sparkling to guests as the Gala began, with a faint crackle and screech before the speakers kicked in properly, soon music, drinks and the good vibes where flowing.